NCAA penalizes Univ. of Mont. over booster perks

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — An NCAA investigation has found the University of Montana and former coach Robin Pflugrad failed to monitor the football program, allowing boosters to provide benefits to players that included bail money and free legal representation for two athletes.

Other player perks provided by boosters included free meals, clothing, lodging and transportation.

The penalties announced Friday include a three-year probation period, the loss of four scholarships for the next three seasons and vacating five wins, including two playoff victories.

The NCAA says ineligible student-athletes took part in those games. Those athletes received help with their legal problems that was not allowed under NCAA rules.

Pflugrad is now an assistant at Weber State. He is suspended from coaching during the first game of the 2013 season and faces recruiting restrictions.